Officials from Canada and the United States have worked in concert to ramp up identification requirements for travelers who cross their mutual border in the post-9-11 world. Despite more stringent identification requirements, the countries have jointly developed certain types of identification designed to speed the border crossing for frequent travelers. Besides asking for identification, Canadian officials will ask everyone passing the border about the purpose and duration of their visit.

Passport Book

United States citizens entering Canada via airplane must have a passport book issued by the U.S. Department of State. The books have hard covers and contain about 20 blank pages where customs officials can place an official stamp that includes the date you entered Canada. First-time passport applicants must go to a designated place to submit their paperwork. Designated places can include post offices, public libraries or other government facilities. Passports don't expire for 10 years. Many times, you can renew a passport through the mail.

Passport Card

United States citizens can use an official passport card to enter Canada if driving across the border or entering from the sea. The U.S. government began issuing passport cards in 2008. The cards cost less than the books, but can't be used for air travel. They resemble a driver's license in shape and thickness. The cards use the same application process as the passport book, and don't expire for 10 years. Citizens can have both passport books and cards; they can even apply for them simultaneously.

NEXUS

People who frequently cross the border between the United States and Canada by land or sea can apply for a NEXUS card. Air travelers can also use the card when flying into select Canadian airports that have NEXUS kiosks. Kiosk-equipped airports in Canada include those in Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. In the United States, 20 airports offer NEXUS lanes, including those in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Miami. Eligible candidates must have United States citizenship or be lawful, permanent residents, and they must pass background checks.

Enhanced Driver's License

Travelers entering Canada from the United States via land or sea may provide customs officials with an enhanced driver's license. As of 2011, only Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington offer the licenses. Enhanced driver's licenses differ from a traditional driver's license because they come equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Customs officials use RFID readers to verify people's identities as they cross the border. Costs vary by state. Only United States citizens are eligible for the enhanced licenses.